Running Lane

Bandit · #1 (**permalink**) Fri Feb 01, 2002, 12:16pm

Ok I find the definition to the ASA running lane in Rule 8, sec 2 (2001 book). But I had a fluke play happen to me last weekend I'd like some opinion on, please. 12&Under. Semi-final game of indoor tounament. We are in the bottom of the 8th extra inning, going on close to 3 hours. No outs. Bases loaded. Left handed first baseperson. Right handed batter. Infield drawn in to play the force at home plate. Batter hits a full swing ground ball to the firstbase person who in throwing home hits the batter-runner coming out of the box. Run scores. Game over. Coach asks why runner interference isn't called. Reason given: Batter-runner had not even reached the running lane and has the right to run inside the baseline markings until they reach that point. True? Coaches satisfied. Everyone shakes hands. Was I right or wrong?

shipwreck · #2 (**permalink**) Fri Feb 01, 2002, 12:54pm

You nailed it right on. If we would call interference when a runner gets hit with a thrown ball(other than when out of the running lane,) we would have fielders acting like they are playing dodge ball and trying to hit runners. Dave

bluezebra · #3 (**permalink**) Fri Feb 01, 2002, 01:58pm

The running lane has nothing to do with a throw coming from in FRONT of the batter/runner. The interference must be with the first baseperson's ability to catch the throw from BEHIND the B/R.

Bob

Bandit · #4 (**permalink**) Fri Feb 01, 2002, 03:07pm

Thanks for the replys. Can we document anywhere in the book that it states interference can only come from one direction. If I have a runner up to the running lane area and not running in it, and a first base person playing behind the bag and the same play happens I'm thinking interference. Now granted this is the only area between bases that this would apply.

Dakota · #5 (**permalink**) Fri Feb 01, 2002, 03:46pm

ASA 8-2-E
BATTER-RUNNER IS OUT When he runs outside the three-foot lane and, in the judgment of the umpire, interferes with the fielder taking the throw at first base;...

The more general interference rule for the BR (ASA 8-2-F) requires interference with a thrown ball to be intentional.

In your situation, the 3 foot lane rule does not apply, so unless the BR intentionally tried to get in the way of the throw, there was no interference.

Bandit · #6 (**permalink**) Fri Feb 01, 2002, 06:08pm

Thanks that helps.